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MSM

Health News Archive 162 - Scar Tissue
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Alpha-Lipoic Acid Reduces Scar Tissue

Alpha lipoic acid’s ability to greatly diminish the appearance of scars has been tested many times. Studies have been completed showing that alpha lipoic acid indeed can prevent and reverse scar formation.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study by plastic surgeon D. G. Genecov, M.D. and his group applied alpha lipoic acid twice daily to the scars generated by cleft lip palate surgery on the upper lip of children. The children's parents applied the cream twice daily, not knowing whether it was an inactive base or a cream containing alpha lipoic acid.

After one year, the results revealed that those receiving the alpha lipoic acid cream had much diminished scar formation. Their lips appeared almost normal as opposed to those receiving the placebo.

Source:

Genecov DG, Salyer KE, Kemer MA, Goldberg S, Cho J. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and scar formation in repaired cleft lips. Serial number 462, pp. 495-499, International Society of Cleft Lip and Palate, June 2001.